Sunday, May 31, 2009

Slow Me Down, Lord

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.Steady my hurried pace. Give me, amidst the day's confusion, the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my memory.

Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking "minute vacations"...slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me of the fable of the hare and the tortoise; that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than measuring its speed.

Let me look up at the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well. Inspire me to send my own roots down deep into the soil of life's endearing values...that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.

Slow me down, Lord.

- Wilfred Arlan Peterson -



'In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast.'

-Peter Marshall -

Monday, May 25, 2009

In Memory. . .

Memorial Flags and Scout Of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.



Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Memorial Day Prayer

Memorial Day Flags

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.

We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.

May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer from About.com

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Saturday, May 23, 2009

In Memory – With Honor and Pride

Empire State Building

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I'm proud to be an American,

Where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died,

Who gave that right to me

And I'll proudly stand next to him

To defend her still today,

'Cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

Song: ‘God Bless The U.S.A.'

Written by Lee Greenwood

Photo: Empire State Building

Photo compliments of Associated Press

Friday, May 22, 2009

Still Here

P5200458

Hi – I’m still around but have been a bit under the weather and now very busy. Just wanted to let you know that I haven’t gone away. I’ll be back soon to catch up with you. Off to thrift and garage and flea market today with my dear little mother who has also been under the weather. We are joining my cousin and we three girls plan a great day and lunch together. Sorry, Joey, you can’t go this time! You’ll have to stay home and watch the mama bird take care for her babies!

P5200460

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Happy Birthday To My Sweetheart

Open Book

Your life has a plot;

Your years have a theme.

You can do something in a manner

That no one else can.

Every year is a chapter

God has written with the plans

He has just for you.

I hope today is only the beginning of

Special joys and blessings in your life.

‘What You have done is wonderful. . .

All the days You had planned for me

Were written in Your book

Before I was one day old.’

Psalm 139: 14 & 16

From ‘Cure For The Common Life’ by Max Lucado

Compliments of Dayspring

Scripture from New Century Version

Sunday, May 10, 2009

My Mother

Mother's Day - Sample of God's Love

I cannot lay claim to riches or fame -

My life is like many another;

But of one thing I’m proud, I’m one of the crowd

That somebody calls, “My Mother.”

Happy Mother’s Day, Dear Friends!

Poem written by Phyllis C. Michael

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Trust His Heart

IMG_6828 “God is too good to be unkind.
He is too wise to be confused.
If I cannot trace His hand,
I can always trust His heart.”
C. H. Spurgeon

Friday, May 1, 2009

Retreat and Advance

IMG_6895

Today I am heading to the Oregon Coast for our annual church Ladies’ Retreat. I’m riding with a dear friend and our pastor’s wife. We will have a lot of fun along the way as we chat and laugh and anticipate time away from the responsibilities of home. We are returning to the conference center where we were last year. I shared photos and told you about it here when I returned home a year ago. The conference center is just across the highway from the beach. It is a beautiful place at the edge of the forest – filled with huge trees and root formations. . .

IMG_6843

IMG_6914

Flowering vines. . .

IMG_6829

And wildflowers of all kinds.

IMG_6831

I’m looking forward to some rest and relaxation and a chance to meet new friends and catch up a bit with the ‘old’ friends. But the best will be the times of refreshing as we worship, learn from the Word of God and apply what we learn to everyday life. It will be a retreat – a chance to step back for a time. And when we come home it will be time to advance – time to move forward again.

IMG_6925